Mountains delivers an impactful cinematic experience, leaving viewers with a profound understanding of its characters, their struggles, and why they matter. Despite its relatively short runtime, the film expertly captures the essence of its main trio without feeling rushed or drawn out. Director Monica Sorelle achieves a delicate balance that many filmmakers aspire to, making her first feature film a standout success.
The story revolves around an immigrant family in Little Haiti, Miami. Xavier (Atibon Nazaire) works tirelessly in a demolition company but grapples with the reality that his adult son Junior (Chris Renois) lacks direction in life. Meanwhile, Esperance (Sheila Anozier) strives to maintain harmony within the family, navigating the fine line between Xavier’s expectations and Junior’s autonomy.
Sorelle’s approach is gentle and deliberate, allowing viewers to fully immerse in the film by keeping the camera still and avoiding jump cuts during intimate family moments. This technique draws the audience into both the tender and uncomfortable scenes. Sorelle also effectively conveys the monotony of routine, particularly in Xavier’s life. The film’s first half-hour vividly portrays the repetitive nature of Xavier’s week, from his daily work grind to the neighbor’s predictable afternoon stroll through his yard. This repetition mirrors Xavier’s yearning for a better home and the stark reality of witnessing houses being torn down carelessly.
Mountains (2023)
Drama
- Release Date: June 9, 2023
- Director: Monica Sorelle
- Cast: Atibon Nazaire, Sheila Anozier, Chris Renois, Kerline Alce, Karina Bonnefil, Yaniel Castillo, Henri Claude Douze, Serafin Falcon
- Runtime: 95 Minutes
- Main Genre: Drama
- Writers: Robert Colom, Monica Sorelle
Nuance Is Where ‘Mountains’ Shines
Mountains masterfully explores the duality of Xavier’s character. While he is a devoted husband aiming to provide the best for his family, he faces significant challenges in his role as a father, with communication with his son reduced to a minimum. Xavier’s frustration with Junior’s lack of ambition is palpable, and the screenplay by Sorelle and Robert Colom cleverly underscores this by having father and son share the same name, highlighting Xavier’s hopes for Junior to follow in his footsteps.
Simultaneously, the film offers a layered portrayal of Junior. Aware of his family’s disappointment, Junior uses humor as a coping mechanism, which culminates in a standout moment: his stand-up comedy routine. This scene not only provides comic relief but also deepens our understanding of Junior’s relationship with his parents, making his jokes both amusing and poignant.
Sheila Anozier’s performance as Esperance is another highlight of the film. Despite limited screen time and a relatively undeveloped storyline for her character, Anozier’s portrayal is powerful. Through subtle expressions and silence, she commands attention whenever she is on screen. In one dinner scene, Anozier brilliantly conveys Esperance’s understanding of Xavier’s expectations for their son while maintaining her unwavering love for Junior. She delicately balances her roles as a supportive mother and a mediator between father and son, subtly suggesting that not all mountains are meant to be climbed.
Is Every Mountain Worth Climbing?
This brings us to the film’s deeper message. Xavier’s life is shaped by the expectations he set for himself after leaving Haiti. He believes his primary role is to provide for his family, leading him to work overtime, adhere to a strict routine, and endure racism, all in the pursuit of a better life. However, Xavier fails to realize that this pursuit is not only projected onto his son but also prevents him from truly living.
Mountains emphasizes that a house is merely a physical structure, easily destroyed, and questions why we chase after more when what we have is sufficient. The film doesn’t romanticize poverty or promote complacency but rather distinguishes between what is truly worth striving for and what genuinely matters. In a pivotal conversation between Xavier and Junior, Sorelle further demonstrates her directorial skill, offering insight into Xavier’s behavior and his worldview, while also highlighting the rarity and significance of father-son dialogues in both cinema and real life.
Mountains is a film that reminds us why we love cinema – it’s a compelling character study that explores life, parenthood, marriage, and expectations without ever feeling preachy or dull. If Sorelle can create such an experience in her debut feature, she is undoubtedly a filmmaker to watch.
